Thankful Thirty

With November typically being a month in which people reflect on things they're thankful for I figured there was no better way to kick of my list of 30s then with a list things I'm grateful for.

1. My husband
I'm sure I don't thank the saint of a man who has found it in his heart to love and marry me with all my flaws. Always dependable and steadfast I know I can count on him to look out for me. I'm lucky to have such a thoughtful and loving partner to walk by my side through life's ups and downs.

2. My mom
A strong and funny woman who has helped guide me through some of my life's challenging moments (aka: adolecence). I'm blessed to have you as a mom and friend.

3. My dad
The man I get my looks and extremely dry humor who has always been a quiet but strong source of love and support throughout my  life. I'm grateful to call you my dad.

4. My grandparents
The people who were always picking me up from school and taking me here or there when I was younger. And of course the ones who spoiled me rotten. I am so thankful that I've had the opportunity to spend so much time with them.

5. My in-laws
Bad in-law jokes tend to be an easy joke for most, but I really lucked out in the in-law department. They've always embraced me as part of the family and I'm blessed to have married into such wonderful family with my family so far away.

6. My friends
I've been fortunate to meet lifelong friends in all stages of my life. Although I love spending time with friends nearby I also love having low maintenance friends that live afar.

7. My dog
The first several months with my dog were challenging to say the least, but as she's gotten older she's been a great addition to our family. It's so nice to come home to her smiley face and wagging tail. She great at playing fetch with herself - a true "only child" and she loves a lazy day of naps just as much as I.

8. My health
Although I may be currently dealing with some minor health issues my general health is excellent.

9. My education
My family prepared me for success in the best way they know how and made sure that I had a first rate education starting from kindergarten all the way through college. Everything I have today is thanks to the education I was allowed.

10. My home
It's said that a home should be your escape from the world. And I can really say that's true of my home. From my cozy bedroom to my deck-filled backyard that's perfect for entertaining I love my home and it's been an amazing first home.

11. My job
Like many people I can always find something to complain about my job, but all things said I'm thankful for the opportunity to get paid well while helping people at the same time.

12. The opportunity to travel
Between traveling with my parents and my husband I've been able to see different places in and outside of our country. Now that I live in California it makes traveling even more accessible then it used to be when I lived in Hawaii.

13. The bus driver
I am so thankful for the bus driver that gets me safely to work and back home almost every day. Not having to drive myself to work allows me to catch up on my blogging or catch some much needed shut eye.

14. Friendly strangers
Sometimes all it takes is smile from a stranger or a customer who asks how my day is going. Friendly strangers really make the world a nicer place to be in.

15. Trashy reality TV
Kardashians, Hip Hop and Hollywood, Real Housewives, 15 Kids and Counting...I love it all (much to my husband's dismay). I know a lot of people hate reality TV but sometimes there's something to be said about how relaxing and therapeutic it can be to veg out in front of the TV for a marathon of Real Housewives.

16. My comfy bed
I love sleeping and my comfy bed makes one of my favorite hobbies that much better. And nothing makes you appreciate the comfort of your own bed than a restless night in an uncomfortable foreign bed.

17. Growing up in Hawaii
This is something I admittedly did not appreciate nearly as much as I should have when I was growing up. Growing up on a beautiful tropical island with my friends and family only an hour drive away at most is an amazing way to grow up. Beautiful beaches and amazing weather pretty much year round provided a great backdrop for my childhood.

18. Bay area weather
With just the right amount of seasons I could not ask for more when it comes the the weather in the bay area. I am grateful that it gets warm enough to wear shorts I'm the summer without needing air conditioning in my home and cool enough in the fall/winter to see the leaves change colors and have an excuse to wear a nice pair of boots and jacket without having to worry about snow ruining it.

19. Double stamp Tuesdays
Our favorite sushi spot has a stamp reward program and offers double stamps on Tuesday. My husband and I take advantage of this at least once a week. On a day that's not as stressful as Monday but not quite to hump day it's nice to be able to have an excuse to treat ourselves to some good sushi.

20. Acts of kindness
From the person who picked up my wallet and gave it to a BART attendant without stealing from me to the bus driver who let me on when I realized I left my wallet at home. Simple acts like these shine bright in my memories as horrible days that were averted thanks to the kindness of others.

21. Target
In December I'll be starting a new job working for Target. I'm grateful for the opportunity to shift paths in my career when I feel like I really needed it.

22. Ice cream
Always there to brighten up a bad day...thank god for ice cream. Enough said.

23. My gas stove
For most of my life I had a gas stove and it wasn't until I moved into an apartment with an electric stove top did I realize how much better a gas stove is. That being said I am very appreciative for having a gas stove in my kitchen that gives me superior control over the temperature in which I cook with.

24. Financial security
I'm extremely grateful for the financial security hubs and I have. I know that not everyone is lucky enough to never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or whether or not they can afford that new winter coat they desperately need.

25. Lazy weekends
Little in life is as satisfying as getting to cuddle in front of the TV in your PJ's all weekend. With the busy holiday season coming up soon it reminds me of how rejuvenating it can be to have no obligations at all. I'll take them whenever I can get them.

26. Fun co-workers
I can honestly say that I've stayed with the company I've been at for 3 years because I truly enjoy working with the people. The pharmacists and technicians I work with make coming to work bearable day in and day out. I will miss them dearly when I leave at the end of this month.

27. SHN season tickets
This is the second year hubs and I have been SHN season ticket holders and we have yet to be disappointed. I love having great musicals to look forward to year round. Not to mention the perks of being able to buy tickets in advanced for shows that aren't included in our season.

28. Online shopping
Online shopping has taken the shopping experience to another level. With free shipping and returns your home becomes your dressing room (sans overly flattering mirrors). And with websites like ebates who gives you with cash back and coupon codes for shopping it's like being paid to shop (that might be a stretch... lol)

29. Care packages
Nothing says I love you from family and friends from afar like a care package. Big to little it doesn't matter...when someone takes the time to curate and mail a package to me it always warms my heart.

30. Google
Thank goodness for google! Always there to answer those nagging questions like "who's that actor in that movie?" or "how yo tell a coworker how to stop singing at work?" on a whim. I can't even remember a time when I had to do without the convenience of google.